Netflix’s live-action One Piece has attracted controversy, with fans slamming its casting of an Egyptian character.
Following its successful launch, Netflix’s One Piece live-action series will return with Season 2. The TV show is in the middle of production, with the main cast already in South Africa.
Since its confirmation, the series has been getting constant updates, including new cast members for several characters who’ll play significant roles in the second season. On August 21, Katey Segal and Mark Harelik were revealed to play Dr. Kureha and Dr. Hiriluk, respectively.
Season 2 also announced another new cast member: Sendhil Ramamurthy, of Heroes, Beauty and the Beast, and Covert Affairs fame, has joined the series as King Nefertari Cobra, the ruler of Alabasta.
In the heart of The Desert Kingdom of Alabasta, where rebellion stirs and secrets are buried, stands a King like no other. Introducing Nefertari Cobra, the pillar of integrity in a kingdom at crossroads. 🐫🌴 #OnePieceLiveAction pic.twitter.com/daCvHeh9RJ
— ONE PIECE(ワンピース) Netflix (@onepiecenetflix) August 22, 2024
This announcement has sparked backlash, with many fans believing Cobra should’ve been played by an Arab actor (Ramamurthy is American, but his parents come from India).
While the world of One Piece is fictional, creator Eiichiro Oda has confirmed several times how he’s inspired by reality. Much of the manga’s geography based on real places – and he’s specifically stated that Alabasta is inspired by Egypt.
The mangaka’s comment – paired with the rumor that Bridgerton fame Charithra Chandran, another actress of Indian origin, is playing Princess Vivi – has many fans calling out the live-action series.
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“They are deliberately avoiding Arab actors and actresses in a moment when we need Arab representation the most,” tweeted one fan. “Defend your point of view under the pretext that acting skills are what matters but you can’t make us believe that there weren’t enough good Arab actors to cast.”
“I honestly wish they had cast Arab actors for Cobra and Vivi since Oda clearly drew inspiration from Ancient Egypt for their characters, but it feels like no one really cares in Netflix,” posted another X user.
“This Egyptian American actor is a much better fit for Cobra than who OPLA picked. I genuinely believe they purposely avoided casting any Arabs for the Nefertari family because of Zionism, and you can’t convince me otherwise,” wrote a third, referring to Ayman Samman.
The controversy may get more heated when Netflix’s One Piece live-action confirms Vivi’s actor, but it’s unclear when that will be announced.
This isn’t the first time the Netflix and One Piece collaboration has been criticized this year. The upcoming reboot anime, titled ‘The One Piece’, also received a lot of hate for ‘white-washing’ characters earlier this month.
For more, check out the unexpected change Eiichiro Oda revealed for One Piece Season 2. And if you’re a fan of the manga, find out who the most important characters in the Final Saga are.